The United Kingdom is holding a high-level, closed-door meeting on Thursday with senior military officials from over 20 countries to discuss plans for a proposed peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.
The gathering, involving nations within the so-called “coalition of the willing,” is taking place at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood.
Led by Britain and France, the coalition is moving towards the operational planning stage of a Western-backed peacekeeping initiative.
However, significant challenges remain. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will not accept NATO-member troops operating in Ukraine, regardless of their role.
Meanwhile, the United States has been hesitant to provide the air support that many participating countries deem necessary for the mission’s success.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to attend part of the discussions after visiting Barrow, where he will oversee the keel-laying ceremony for HMS Dreadnought, one of the UK’s next-generation nuclear-armed submarines.
During his visit, he will highlight Barrow as an example of how defense investments can benefit local communities.
Additionally, Starmer will announce that King Charles III has approved granting Barrow the honorary title of “Royal” in recognition of its contributions to national security.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister visited the crew of HMS Vanguard, a nuclear submarine returning to Scotland from a North Atlantic patrol.
Speaking to reporters, Starmer emphasized that the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent remains a credible and respected capability.
Defence Secretary John Healey, who accompanied the prime minister, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the nuclear deterrent, calling it the “ultimate guarantor” of both national security and the protection of NATO allies.